The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
Today's reading in Courage to Change speaks to something very personal for me.
The author shares that they learned, living with the impact of alcoholism, that plans could change at any moment and that rules varied accordingly. The author developed a mistrust of everyone and everything, and as a result, often found themselves jumping at any opportunity without thinking it through. "I'd better grab this now - this might be my only chance" was the sense of desperation behind the author's actions.
Al-Anon taught the author a different approach - they can take life one day at a time, and make decisions that feel right for them each day, without fear that they might lose out on something in the future. The author uses the slogan "easy does it" to help them think before reacting to fears. In addition, if the author doesn't feel capable of something today, they can be sure that there will be another opportunity for them in the future. It doesn't have to be now or never, all or nothing.
Today's Reminder: Today I Don't have to be limited by my old fears. Instead, I can do what seems right. I do not have to follow every suggestion or take every offer I receive. I Can consider my options and pray for the guidance to choose what is best for me.
Today's Quote: "There is a guidance for each of us, and by lowly listening we shall hear the right word.... Place yourself in the middle of the stream of power and wisdom which flows into your life. Then, without effort, you are impelled to truth and to perfect contentment." Ralph Waldo Emerson
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Like the author, I too often find myself thinking: "now or never" - I fear not taking advantage of opportunities will have lasting negative consequences for me. But, I am learning slowly through work in AlAnon that I can trust HP to continue to offer opportunities when the time is right, and that if I trust and follow my inner voice, things always work out better than I could have planned or willed them to by jumping at opportunities.
It is so cold today, it seems that everything is shut down. I'm wishing I had a plug for my car, to keep the engine warm enough to start. Luckily, with everything closed today, I don't need to go anywhere. I hope you are keeping warm if you impacted by some extreme cold and otherwise enjoying the day!
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Skorpi
If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present. - Lao Tzu
Thank you Skorpi for today's reading. It certainly is a good one for me, also! In the past I made many impulsive decisions thinking it was now or never. If I didn't act, I would miss out. As you stated, letting things unfold naturally instead of jumping immediately usually gives results better than planned!
"Easy Does It" is a great slogan along with "Stop and Think." I am much better now at waiting things out......listening for that inner voice or nudge to guide me.
Place yourself in the middle of the stream of power and wisdom which flows into your life. I absolutely love that quote!
It seems to be cold everywhere! No plans to venture out today.....can't think of anywhere I need to be in the minus degree wind chills.
Good morning all - thank you Skorpi for the daily and your service. Thanks to you both for your shares and ESH. I too can so relate to the 'now/never' thinking before recovery. For me, it was just a part of a larger pattern of perpetual black/white thinking which contributed to my all/nothing attitude and effort. I was a super rigid person before recovery and quite the perfectionist so change of plans was like a mountain to climb to me instead of what it was - a change in plans.
Al-Anon has given me a much easier and simpler way to live, process, decide and act. I am a huge fan of One Day at a Time - for me, the biggest contributor to serenity in the moment. Many other tools help me be less rigid, more flexible and easier to be around. My perfectionism propelled people away, including but not limited to my alcoholics. Embracing the imperfections in myself gave me the freedom to practice unconditional acceptance and love of others, and I am way less likely to 'freak out' when things go different than planned.
I love that quote to and it's very much what I try to do each day. Staying in the middle of the boat or stream is the best place for me to be. It's darn, darn cold here - below 0 w/o the windchill - even my doggie is not wanting to go out! Make it a great day family!
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Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene
